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Smart Grid

Rows of battery racks at the Salem Smart Power Center in Salem, Oregon. The Battelle-led Pacific Northwest Smart Grid Demonstration Project, will use the center’s 5-megawatt energy storage system to test several smart grid technologies and approaches. | Photo courtesy of Portland General Electric.

America’s electrical grid was born more than a century ago, when our electricity needs were simple -- and our demand for power was much lower. As American homes and businesses take on ever-increasing numbers of electronic devices and technological capabilities, utilities need ways to learn about (and respond to) changing electricity demand in real time. The Smart Grid makes this possible, resulting in more reliable electricity for all grid users.

The Energy Department is investing in strategic partnerships to accelerate investments in grid modernization. We support groundbreaking research on synchrophasors, advanced grid modeling and energy storage -- all key to a reliable, resilient electricity grid that’s ready to power the generations ahead.

Since the start of the new year, I have spoken at more than a dozen events about ways in which investment in the electric power grid is delivering significant benefits to consumers, businesses, and communities across the nation.

What is the Smart Grid?

Learn more about modernizing our grid for the 21st century at SmartGrid.gov.

Map of Recovery Act Smart Grid Projects

View a map that breaks down how the Energy Department spent $4.5 billion of Recovery Act funds to help modernize the nation’s energy infrastructure.